The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) has halted an improvement project at Weir Road and State Highway 124.

Last week, the Russellville City Council passed a motion to “postpone indefinitely” consideration of an ordinance accepting portions of state highways 124 and 326 into the city’s street system. The ordinance specified those portions to be Highway 124 from Arkansas Avenue to Weir Road and a portion of Highway 326 between Hob Nob Road and Highway 124.

The additions to the city’s street system would only be made after completion of a project to develop improvements in that area, the ordinance stated. Proposed improvements include removing the T at Highway 124 and Weir Road and eliminating the sharp curve east of that intersection. The project was a proposed partnership with the city, which would contribute $3 million.

“As a result, we have ceased work on the project for the time being,” he said.

Alderman Martin Irwin, who made the motion to postpone the matter, said his understanding was the project was not supposed to get underway until late 2014 and therefore immediate action was not necessary.

Whether or not the city and state will be able to come to an understanding is yet to be determined. Mayor Bill Eaton said it is his hope the project will move forward.

Eaton noted that while accepting portions of what it now Highway 124 into the city’s street system would add some maintenance, it also allows the city freedom to make improvements along that road without seeking approval from AHTD.